Urinary Collection Device With Permeable Membrane For Buried Penis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with limited or impaired mobility face challenges with traditional urination methods, such as discomfort, pain, and hygiene issues with urinary catheters and bed pans, and difficulties with condom-style catheters for buried penises, which are not effective in collecting urine efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A fluid collection device with a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable membrane, featuring a fluid receiving portion and a longitudinal portion of varying widths, designed to be positioned adjacent to the urethral opening and perineum, respectively, to collect urine effectively while preventing the penis from entering the chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fluid impermeable barrier is used to define a chamber, then urine collection efficiency is improved, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveurine collection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a fluid impermeable barrier defining a collection chamber, a fluid permeable membrane for urine absorption, a longitudinal portion for positioning, and a fluid receiving portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines different material properties in a single structure - using both fluid impermeable materials (for the barrier and chamber definition) and fluid permeable materials (for the membrane). This composite approach enables simultaneous urine collection efficiency and proper fluid management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the fluid receiving portion has a larger width than the longitudinal portion, then urine reception capacity is improved, but the device fits less comfortably in the perineal area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveurine reception capacityVSAvoidcomfort and fit
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device exhibits varying widths at different locations: the fluid receiving portion has a larger width to maximize urine reception capacity, while the longitudinal portion has a narrower width to fit comfortably in the perineal area. This local variation in dimensions optimizes both collection capacity and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a two-dimensional planar view to a three-dimensional configuration, where the fluid receiving portion extends laterally to provide broad urine reception area, while the longitudinal portion extends anteriorly to fit the perineal anatomy. This spatial arrangement resolves the contradiction between capacity and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a fluid permeable membrane is used across the opening, then urine direction control is improved, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveurine direction controlVSAvoidmembrane integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid permeable membrane acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the collection chamber. It selectively allows urine to pass through while blocking other substances, providing reliable urine direction control through a simple yet effective intermediate layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs thin film structures (the fluid permeable membrane) that can be easily integrated into the device architecture. These thin films provide effective urine direction control without adding significant complexity or bulk to the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed for buried penis, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with buried penisVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with universal applicability for both buried and non-buried penises through its modular components and adjustable positioning features. The longitudinal portion and fluid receiving portion can be positioned to accommodate different anatomical configurations, providing adaptability without requiring precision manufacturing for specific body types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides a comfortable and efficient means of urine collection, even for individuals with buried penises, by maximizing fluid reception and minimizing leakage, with the fluid permeable membrane ensuring that urine is directed into the collection chamber, and the suction system facilitates easy fluid removal.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid permeable membrane extending across the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

a suction source in fluid communication with the fluid collection device and the fluid collection container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3975946B1Fluid collection devices, fluid collection systems including the same, and methods of using the same
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 PUREWICK CORP
  • EP3975946B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3975946B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3975946B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An example urinary collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier defining a chamber, an opening, and an outlet. The opening and the outlet fluid to enter and leave the chamber, respectively. The urinary collection device also includes a fluid permeable membrane extending across the opening. The urinary collection device includes a fluid receiving portion that includes the portions of the fluid impermeable barrier that defines the opening. The fluid receiving portion is configured to be positioned such that the opening is disposed adjacent to the urethral opening of the individual (e.g., a buried penis). The urinary collection device also includes an longitudinal portion extending from the fluid receiving portion. The longitudinal portion is configured to be positioned adjacent to or near the perineum of the individual (e.g., positioned between the thighs of the individual).